The beta SDK has still some missing packages and known issues, but the APIs are frozen and the software is solid. The Nokia binaries are not included either but none of this is an obstacle to get software working in maemo Chinook. We could choose between releasing now or waiting until getting more packages and fixes. Giving developers more time to get their software ready has been considered a top priority. We can't compromise to a public date yet but you will know in advance when the new Nokia Internet Tablet OS will be released.

The Chinook beta SDK offers a new modular installation, allowing to choose the components needed according to the type of development the SDK is used for. This means that now the rootstraps are reduced to a small set of critical packages, while all the rest are hosted in the repository. This setting provides us also more flexibility releasing updates. More information in the installation instructions <http://tabletsdev.maemo.org/unstable/chinook-beta/INSTALL.txt> .

We hope you like this beta! Please provide feedback, we have room for improvement until the final release. We are specially interested hearing about the SDK specific components. Remember to file your bugs at bugs.maemo.org specifying the 4.0 beta version.